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Hypoventilation

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Hypoventilation is an abnormally decreased pulmonary ventilation.

The hallmark of hypoventilation is a high PaCO2 level as adequate ventilation is necessary for the removal of CO2. Ventilation is also required for oxygenation, and hypoventilation leads to low PAO2 and subsequent low PaO2.

One characteristic feature of hypoventilation induced hypoxemia is that it is easily correctible by supplemental oxygen. Oxygen therapy corrects hypoxemia even when hypoventilation and hypercapnia persists.

Normal pulse oximetry in a patient breathing room air indicates adequacy of ventilation (normal PaCO2). However, it cannot be used to judge the adequacy of ventilation in patients on supplemental oxygen if hypoventilation persists

Reference

  1. Petersson J, Glenny RW. Gas exchange and ventilation-perfusion relationships in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2014;44:1023–41

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